Human Being

The darker hues and downtempo textures of late-’90s trip-hop and alternative rock inform Seal’s third album, which combines the English singer/songwriter’s raspy voice with brooding, restrained arrangements. “Human Beings” adds a darker edge to the cinematic sprawl that dominated his earlier catalog, while “Lost My Faith” is a slightly smoother, more soulful spin on the Unplugged ideal. Then there's “Colour,” which synthesizes Seal’s aesthetic with the moment’s vogue, building toward the triumphant point when his voice gently rises up from a plush haze of strings and guitars.